English Translation of Exorcism Rituals Released by Vatican

For centuries, the Catholic Church has performed exorcisms in order to free people from the terror of demonic possession. The vast majority of this work was done in secret, and the process was handed down and hidden from the public to keep it that way. In 1999, the Church released "De Exorcismis et Supplicationibus Quibusdam" to cardinals in order to codify the practice. Other interested parties were (and still are) able to obtain a copy if a cardinal deems it an appropriate use of the information, but unless you can read Latin - it won't make much sense to you.

Yesterday, the Vatican released an English version that will be distributed to American, British, Australian, and South African clergy. The move is to help people who need an exorcism understand the process better. "Exorcisms and Related Supplications” is meant for clergy only, but there is a section for the layperson as well. It's appendix, titled “Supplications Which May Be Used by the Faithful Privately in Their Struggle Against the Powers of Darkness,” is filled with prayers that anyone can use in a time of need. It contains some very familiar, and some not-so-familiar, Catholic prayers for the afflicted and friends and family who want to support those who are seeking the church's help to be free of this type of oppression.